A bug out bike can be a transportable and highly reliable form of transport that you can have on standby for those moments when you need to move quickly and unexpectedly. You won’t have to worry about walking, catching public transport or using a car which may not be able to go off road or down smaller tracks.
Having a survival bug out bike will dramatically increase your chances of surviving a disaster.
You don’t need to worry about maintaining a vehicle and ensuring it’s always filled with fuel and you will be much quicker on a bike than you would be on foot. It’s an excellent survival option and if you add a trailer to the back of your bug out bike you can carry an impressive amount of equipment too.
If your bug out bike has the potential to save your life, you want to make sure you choose the right model and invest as much time and money as possible into your decision.
We’ve done extensive research into the different options available on the market and have lots of great choices for you to pick from.
The first step in your decision to buying a bug out bike is to consider some of the different factors about the bike itself:
Weight
You will want to strike a balance between a lightweight bike that you can carry if needed, and a bike that is sturdy enough to go off road. Frames that are light weight aluminum or steel are good options for bikes that are light yet sturdy.
Material
The material used to make a bike can affect its durability and also how weatherproof the bike is. Figure out which material will best suit your needs by considering where and how you’ll use the bike.
Terrain Capabilities
Having a bug out bike that is all terrain will give you the peace of mind that you can go off road in all weather conditions. Having an off-road bug-out bike may not be necessary if you live in a town or city, but if you’ll be using it in the wild, you want to make sure it’s as capable as possible.
E-Bike or Pedal Bike
A pedal bike simply requires you to manually power it but you won’t be able to reach the type of speeds that an e-bike will allow. Deciding between an e-bike or pedal bike will require you to think about cost, access to power and the distances you think you’re likely to be traveling.
Brakes
Brakes are going to be essential on a bug out bike for helping you quickly stop if you need to hide or change direction. There are different types of brakes that will work better for different functions and on different bikes so make sure you understand the options available.
Product List
1. 24 Speed All Terrain Bike
This is a bike that can be ready to use at any time. It is lightweight and easy to store in your backyard or entrance hall – ready to go at a moment’s notice. Switch speeds easily and efficiently to suit the pace you need. The frame of this model is extremely lightweight and can be carried for short distances if you have to cross areas such as streams or muddy bogs.
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Size | 27.5 inch wheels | |
Weight | 42lbs | |
Material | Aluminum | |
Terrain Capacity | All | |
Brakes | Double Disc | |
Motorized? | No | |
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2. Foldable Electric Bike
This electric bike has a high capacity Lithium battery to ensure you get an impressive range of up to 60 miles. The battery is easy to charge and has a key turn off function so you won’t risk mistakenly leaving it running and wasting precious power. The wide tires make this bike ideal for all terrain and the USB port on the bicycle allows you to charge your phone whilst on the move.
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Size | 20 inch wheel | |
Weight | 77lbs | |
Material | Aluminum | |
Terrain Capacity | All | |
Brakes | Hydraulic | |
Motorized? | Yes | |
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3. Rockshark Electric Bike
With a 500W motor, this is a powerful bike that can get you places fast. It has a lithium ion removable battery which can be charged easily and quickly. The advanced suspension on this electric bike will guarantee you a smooth ride and the bike has an IPX6 Waterproof and Dustproof rating.
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Size | 26 Inch wheel | |
Weight | 30kg | |
Material | Aluminum | |
Terrain Capacity | All | |
Brakes | Disc style | |
Motorized? | Yes | |
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4. Folding pedal bike
Ideal for urban areas and for blending in with commuters or crowds in the park, this is an excellent option for those wanting to avoid standing out. The folding steel frame is easy to handle and perfect for those with minimal storage space. You can also utilize the rear rack on the bike to carry bags and equipment easily.
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Size | 20 inch wheel | |
Weight | 34lbs | |
Material | Steel | |
Terrain Capacity | Road/Pathways | |
Brakes | Linear Pull Brakes | |
Motorized? | No | |
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5. Folding Mountain Bike
This bike is the ideal compromise between an off road mountain bike and a model that isn’t too big or bulky. With a high carbon steel frame, it still folds to fit into the trunk of a car and can be easily stored in your home.
The bike has many features including anti-slip protection to help you avoid accidents especially when traveling at high speeds or when riding under pressure. The 6 spoke alloy rim wheels offer efficient acceleration on the bike which you’ll be extremely grateful for if you’re being pursued or need to make a quick exit from a situation.
This mountain bike can be concealed at a moment’s notice if needed, thanks to its fast and easy folding mechanism.
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Size | 26 inch wheel | |
Weight | 39lbs | |
Material | Carbon Steel | |
Terrain Capacity | All | |
Brakes | Linear Pull Brakes | |
Motorized? | No | |
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Trailers and Campers:
Knowing that you’ll have a mode of transport that is transportable, reliable and cheap to run should give you the ultimate peace of mind when you’re thinking of which bug out bike to buy.
But how can you extend the storage capacity of your bike?
If you want to maximize the equipment or tools that you can carry on your bug out bike, try one of these excellent bicycle campers to pair with your bicycle:
Schwinn Day Tripper and Porter Cargo Bike Trailer
1. Day Tripper Trailer
This trailer has a wide frame which makes it efficient for both towing and storing. You can easily store it in your home when not in use as it has a folding frame and quick release wheels.
There are D rings on the inside of the trailer so you can strap down bags and equipment such as water jerry cans, First Aid kits and survival sleeping gear without worrying about it moving around when you are on the move.
2. Cargo Wagon Trailer
The solid metal base on this trailer can hold up to 88lbs of equipment. It comes with a removable cover so that you can always make sure you keep vital supplies safe and dry.
The trailer comes with an A bike hitch and attaches easily to almost all types of bikes making it an excellent choice if you want to ensure the trailer you get will be compatible with your bike.
Aosom Elite Two-Wheel Bicycle Large Cargo Wagon Trailer
Cycle Force Voyager Outdoors Bicycle Cargo Trailer
3. Trailer With Open Compartment
This trailer is designed for outdoor equipment and gear such as skis and bulky items in mind. It comes in a camouflage pattern which could be useful when you are hunting or out in the wild.
The trailer can be used with e-bikes and on difficult terrain. With military grade components, this trailer has high quality wheels making it a smooth ride over the toughest surfaces.
In Depth Buyers Guide
Weight
Having a lightweight bug out bike is always going to be beneficial for speed and ease of riding – but don’t get too bogged down in choosing the lightest bike on the market.
The weight of bikes has dramatically reduced in recent decades. Most bikes are now made with materials such as aluminum which lighten the load of the bike considerably. All the bikes we’ve listed are relatively lightweight and won’t feel heavy or bulky to ride when you’re using them as a bug out bike.
Keep in mind that E-bikes will generally weigh more than pedal bikes (even mountain bikes) as they have to account for a motor and batteries which can be heavy.
Material
Metals used for bikes will always be an alloy – generally it’ll be steel, aluminum or titanium.
Bikes made from steel are very strong, sturdy and often cheaper than other bikes. You need to be careful that you maintain steel bikes well as they can rust easily so consider this if you’re using your bike outdoors in wet and cold conditions.
Bug out bikes that are made mainly from aluminum are often more lightweight but generally slightly weaker as compared to steel bikes. However, you shouldn’t notice this when using a bug out bike that is well made and designed for off road travels.
Titanium bug out bikes are often more expensive due to the higher cost of the material. The weight of titanium bikes is much lower than that of steel bicycles AND they are extremely durable and sturdy. If you are thinking of investing in one of these make sure you do your research and try out different options before you purchase.
Terrain
There’s a huge variety in the type of terrain that bug out bikes can deal with. Some foldable pedal bikes will only really perform well on paved roads and sidewalks. Other bug out bikes such as electric bikes with fat tires and powerful motors will be able to go off road in all types of conditions.
Don’t worry about getting an all terrain bike if you live in an urban area or don’t expect to be using your bug out bike to go anywhere that won’t have roads or paths.
If you are planning on getting an all terrain bug out bike, you’ll want to ensure you get a good level of suspension so that you’re as comfortable as possible during your off road rides.
E-bike or Pedal
With a bug out bike you want to be able to get on the move as quickly as possible. Having a pedal bike on standby is brilliant as it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice – all you need to do is get on and ride.
A pedal bike is good because it is quiet and allows you to move around unnoticed. A pedal bike also doesn’t require any fuel or access to power for charging.
E-bikes, however, can also be a fantastic option for a bug out bike if you have access to power and can ensure your bike is always fully charged. Many of them are now much quieter than previous models and they also give you the option to travel at higher speeds.
If you live in an area which has many hills, having an e-bike could make a real difference in the amount of effort you need to exert to reach your safe destination.
Brakes
Most bug out bikes will have front and rear braking systems. There are different types of brakes that are commonly used on bikes.
When looking for a bug out bike, you’ll probably come across these types of braking options:
Disc Brakes
These are the most common types of brakes found in mountain bikes today.
Disc brakes aren’t affected by extreme weather conditions so they’re great for bug out bikes that are going to be used in the wild. They’re also easy to install, configure and fix which is useful if you’re on the run and need to do repairs quickly.
Linear Pull Brakes
This type of brake doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and they’re generally the least expensive type of brake. Linear pull brakes are a good option on a city bike that you might use on paths and evenly surfaced roads.
As well as providing good stopping power, linear pull brakes are cheaper than other brakes so they are a good option if you won’t be using your bug out bike on a regular basis but simply want it there as a backup option.
Hydraulic Brakes
Hydraulic brakes on bikes are generally more powerful than other brakes out there. These brakes will be useful on a bug out bike if you have to stop suddenly to hide or quickly change directions.
Generally, hydraulic brakes last longer than other brakes as they don’t wear out as easily as mechanical brakes.
Why Choose A Bug Out Bike over other vehicles?
There are so many benefits to having a bug out bike on standby at your home at all times. Here are some benefits of having a bug out bike compared to other modes of transport:
- Easily stored and foldable
- Bug out bikes do not require any power and can be started the minute you move your feet
- Faster than walking, a bug out bike is ideal for times when you want to move quickly and discreetly through paths and trails.
- You won’t draw attention to yourself by starting up a car or vehicle. Pedal Bug out bikes do not make a noise when moving and electric bikes make less noise than a car or motorbike.
You’ll be so grateful that you got prepped and made sure that you had an instantly available transport option to make your travels as speedy as possible.
What accessories do you need for your bug out bike?
Once you’ve got a bug out bike fitted with a trailer for extra storage capacity, you may want to consider some other useful accessories:
- It’s really useful to have small bike lights for times when you may be cycling in the dark or in dense, wooded areas. Remember to keep your bike lights charged and always turn them off after use to conserve the battery.
- If you’re storing your bug out bike outdoors, getting a protective bike cover can help to keep it sheltered from rain and wind. It also conceals the bike and can be useful for security purposes.
- It’s really important to keep hydrated especially in an emergency situation when becoming dehydrated could be very dangerous. Keep a water bottle on your bug out bike in a metal holder at all times.
Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
Bike Cover for 2 or 3 Bikes Outdoor Waterproof
FiveBox Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Water Bottle Cage Holder
Conclusion
You won’t regret investing in a bug out bike. You can use the bike you choose for leisure purposes as well, or simply have it stored in your backyard or home for when you really need it.
Whether you choose an electric bicycle or a pedal bike, you’ll gain the peace of mind that you can get on the move immediately whenever the time comes with a quiet, reliable and quick mode of transport.
Check out the bug out bikes we’ve listed in this article below:
